View clinical trials related to Heart Diseases.
Filter by:Exposure to particulate air pollution is associated with increases in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this observation are emerging, and exposure to particulate air pollution has been shown to result in increases in blood pressure and arterial tone, impaired vascular function and an increased tendency for blood to clot as well as an increase in atherosclerotic plaque burden. Recent evidence from panel studies and controlled exposure studies have suggested an increase in myocardial ischaemia (a reduction in blood flow to the heart) following exposure. In this study we aim to investigate directly myocardial (heart) blood flow following exposure to diesel exhaust (as a model of urban air pollution) using CT/PET myocardial perfusion imaging in male patients with stable coronary disease and healthy male controls. We hypothesize that following exposure to dilute diesel exhaust: 1. Myocardial blood flow will be reduced 2. Coronary flow reserve will be impaired 3. The magnitude of impairment will be higher in patients with coronary disease as compared to healthy controls
Multi-center, observational, U.S.-based longitudinal program. Data will be collected prospectively for 3 years. Individual physician feedback will be provided on data collected with the purpose of improving the management of patients - quality enhancement research initiative (QuERI) process from adult patients enrolled with a history of repaired Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
The investigators intend to prospectively enroll consecutive patients, without known ischemic heart disease, referred by their physician for routine exercise MPI at a tertiary care center. Prior to the MPI (nuclear stress test), eligible and consenting patients will undergo a one-hour period of Holter ECG digital recording. Application of ECG electrodes will be performed by medical technicians following standard recommendations, utilizing approved Holter device & stickers. The Holter ECG data will be used for the offline heart rate variability (HRV) analysis by the HeartTrends device. Immediately following data acquisition, all patients will undergo an exercise MPI according to accepted clinical practice guidelines. Following the MPI, there will be no interference with patient management, which will be conducted by the patients' treating physicians according to current guidelines, unaware of HRV results. Analysis of recorded ECG data for HRV will be performed blinded to the EST and MPI results, by HeartTrends device. The results of the HRV tests will not be available to treating physicians and will not be used to guide patient management. Patients will be followed for 6 months for the occurrence of coronary interventions and MACE, defined as: death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or any coronary revascularization.
Background: Blood clots cause poor outcomes, including death, in babies with heart defects that require a surgical connection ("shunt") to provide blood flow to their lungs. Aspirin (ASA) blocks the part of the blood that helps clots form (platelets). Aspirin is used in babies with shunts to prevent blood clots. The dose of aspirin given to babies is based on adult research. Because babies are different from adults, the investigators do not know if the dose is enough to block platelets, or if it is too much and may cause bleeding. The investigators can test the platelets using a blood test called Thromboelastography with Platelet Mapping (TEG-PM). This test needs a small amount of blood so it can be used in babies. Hypothesis and Specific Aims: The investigators suspect the aspirin doses typically given babies are not enough to block platelets and prevent blood clots in their shunts. The investigators want to determine the percentage of babies whose platelets are not blocked enough (< 70% inhibition), by using TEG-PM. The investigators also want to determine how often bleeding or clots occur in babies receiving aspirin.
The purpose of this study is to examine the role of genetic variation in the oxidative stress response on critical perioperative and short-term outcomes after neonatal heart surgery. The goals will be to determine 1) if the oxidative stress pathway is an important one for therapeutic intervention in neonates with severe congenital heart defects and 2) if variants in the oxidative response pathway can be used to identify patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes.
The choice of fluid therapy is controversial in cardiac surgery. Numerous studies have shown that colloid is better as compared to crystalloids. Several previous studies have demonstrated that Hypertonic Sodium Lactate (HSL) administration during cardiac surgery shows a promising effect. This study aims to compare hemodynamic effects and fluid balance of HSL with 6% Hydroxy Ethyl Starch (HES).
Statins have been used to low cholesterol to prevent and treat coronary artery diseases. It was also reported that statins could protect endothelial function and cardiac function during coronary artery bypass graft. The investigators recent found simvastatin reduced myocardial injury during noncoronary artery cardiac surgery in single medical center. The investigators further investigate that whether simvastatin can protect myocardium during noncoronary artery cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and improve cardiac function with long term use postoperatively in two medical centers.
The purpose of this randomized trial is to study the efficacy of a novel social propagation intervention which integrates social network induction with health education for weight and metabolic control among patients with type 2 diabetes, BMI of 25-30+, and cardiovascular disease. The intervention takes place in the form of a community health program, where participants who enroll in this program will be asked if they would like to take part in the study to evaluate its efficacy. Thus, the investigators will study the efficacy of social networks in propagating changes in lifestyle factors for diabetes and chronic disease management
Translating a Heart Disease Lifestyle Intervention in the Community study will evaluate the feasibility and initial effectiveness of a community-based, culturally-targeted, lifestyle intervention to improve the cardiovascular health of underserved South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Sri Lankan) Americans. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to either a group to receive heart disease prevention classes or to another group where they will receive written materials about heart disease prevention.
Background: - People with congenital heart disease may develop heart failure earlier that those who do not have the disease. One theory to explain this is that the heart s own blood supply may be different in people with congenital heart disease. Problems with this blood supply can severely damage the heart. This damage can be studied with a heart imaging test called a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Researchers want to use this type of scan to look at the blood supply to the heart in people with congenital heart disease. Objectives: - To learn more about the blood supply to the heart in people with congenital heart disease. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have heart defects caused by congenital heart disease. Design: - Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. - Participants will have a cardiac MRI scan to look at the blood flow to the heart. - Participants will also have a heart stress test to measure heart function during exercise. - Other imaging studies of the heart may be performed to collect more information on heart function.